Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries (from George White's Scandals of 1931): E-Z Play Today

This is a legitimate Broadway standard dressed up for approachable piano playing. The E-Z Play format doesn't diminish the song's charm or harmonic character; instead, it opens the door for pianists who want to explore American songbook repertoire without the technical barrier. Students discover how effective simplicity can be when the melody and changes are this strong.

Breezy, optimistic, and touched with gentle swing. The melody has a quality that feels both vintage and timeless; it captures that 1931 moment when popular music was becoming sophisticated without becoming precious. Playing it should feel like humming along to something you already know, even on first read.

Piano students who read at an intermediate level and want real songs with harmonic substance, not invented exercises. Teachers building a Great American Songbook unit will find this accessible enough for current students while genuinely educational. Solo pianists performing light jazz or pop standards will appreciate the straightforward, singable arrangement.

• Treat the melody as a singing line. Even at a comfortable tempo and with simplified notation, this tune deserves the phrasing and breath shapes you'd apply to a vocal arrangement.
• Let the left hand keep steady time rather than trying to comp elaborately. Henderson's changes are straightforward enough that a secure pulse does all the work.
• Lean into the jazz feel of the piece. The title suggests lightness and joy; a slightly relaxed, swinging touch captures the spirit of 1931 Broadway better than metronomic precision.
• The two pages move quickly. Map out where you need to breathe between phrases so you maintain flow without rushing into the turns.

Pair this with other Henderson numbers or contemporary Broadway material for a concert segment celebrating early twentieth century popular composition. It works equally well as a standalone showcase of musicianship at a casual recital or as a jazz ensemble opener that gives the pianist a confident, audience-friendly feature.

• Reading jazz chord symbols and understanding their harmonic function
• Phrasing melody against steady harmonic accompaniment
• Interpreting swung rhythms and understanding the difference between written and felt time
• Recognizing and performing the characteristic melodic shapes of American popular song
• Managing a two-page piece with clear form and structural markers